"Mitch Petrus is sure he and the Giants' offensive linemen matter when it comes to throwing the ball. But when it comes to running it, Petrus knows just how important the O-line is.

"We're a big part of that, the passing game. But really, Eli [Manning] ... and those receivers are the ones out there catching the ball," the Giants' guard said yesterday. "We make sure Eli has time and everything, but it's kind of a different feeling when you're running the ball good. Like, the running back's right behind you."

As the Giants head into their key Week 15 game against the Redskins tomorrow, the team's running game is not as big of a problem as it was much of the season. The Giants go into tomorrow averaging a league-worst 85.8 yards rushing per game. The next-worst is Washington, and the Redskins are averaging 93.8 yards."